This paper presents new data on the content of preferential trade agreements. The data contain detailed information on the 18 policy areas most frequently covered in preferential trade agreements, focusing on the stated objectives, substantive commitments, and other aspects such as transparency,...

Global trade growth slowed in 2018 amid a weakening of economic growth in China and the Euro Area and rising trade protectionism. The volume of trade grew by 3.8 percent, down from 5.4 percent in 2017, but has shown signs of reviving in the first quarter of 2019. However, the U.S. tariff...

When technology transfer is costly, a foreign firm and host country government may differ in their preferences over direct entry and acquisition. Government intervention could help induce the socially preferred choice

When technology transfer is costly, a foreign firm and host country government may differ in their preferences over direct entry and acquisition. Government intervention could help induce the socially preferred choice.Foreign direct investment can take place through the direct entry of foreign...

This paper documents an unusual and possibly significant phenomenon: the export of skills, embodied in goods, services or capital from poorer to richer countries. The authors first present a set of stylized facts. Then, using a measure that combines the sophistication of a country’s exports...